"This is basically what our season is going to come down to," SDSU defensive lineman Cody Galea said.

This year's Aztecs are like Scooby-Doo and Shaggy. They've slipped on banana peels. They've embarrassed themselves thoroughly. They've resembled nothing of super heroes, and yet, somehow they're in a position to save the day.

Is this not the team that lost by three touchdowns to an FCS team in its season-opener? Is this not the squad that blew a 13-point fourth-quarter lead to Oregon State and then a 21-point fourth-quarter lead to Nevada? Is this not the group that needed three touchdowns in the final frame just to beat Air Force, which is 0-5 in conference?

The mantra in "Gladiator" was to win in the most entertaining way possible. The Aztecs (3-3, 2-0 in conference) have done it in the most aggravating way possible.

Fresno State can relate to that on some levels, though. The Bulldogs (6-0, 3-0) needed overtime to beat Rutgers 52-51 in their season opener and required a fourth-quarter comeback to best Boise State, 41-40.

But behind Heisman-hopeful quarterback Derek Carr, Fresno State has also played bull to their opponents' china shop, outscoring its past two foes by a combined 71 points. SDSU's most lopsided win was by 10 points over New Mexico State – the team USA Today recently ranked as the third-worst in the country.

By all statistical indications, the Aztecs should provide about as much resistance to the Bulldogs as air. Carr averages 379 yards passing per game and SDSU can't defend the pass.

It's a little like trying to slow down a Ferrari with an autobahn, and SDSU coach Rocky Long is firmly aware of how active the scoreboard may be.

"They're one of the top three or four offenses in the country," Long said. "They score a lot of points and throw for a lot of yards. They have great athletes on both sides of the ball, and an outstanding quarterback that I'm sure is being touted for the Heisman Trophy."

Long said that he thinks the game will be a shootout, and he better hope it is, because if it isn't, it means Fresno State will be the only one scoring.

Long also ranted against the rule changes that inhibit defense in college football, and while that's a subject he's long been passionate about, it may have also been an advanced explanation for the Bulldogs' 50 points.

Still, while the Aztecs might get blown out, and while the Aztecs have no chance of blowing Fresno State out, don't be surprised if, by the end of the night, the home team stands victorious at Qualcomm Stadium.

SDSU has a tricky way of lulling us to sleep before emptying a water bucket over our heads. Early losses to San Jose State and Fresno State had the team 2-3 last year before seven straight wins and a share of the conference title ensued.

Plus, the Aztecs do have some -- what's the word? -- talent. With quarterback Quinn Kaehler's 245 passing yards per game, running back D.J. Pumphrey's 7.4 yards per carry, and fellow running back Adam Muema regaining his form, they have managed to average more than 33 points over their past four contests.

But maybe you throw out the stats for this one. Maybe you ignore previous follies or shortcomings, too.

Nobody thought SDSU would even be in this situation. Why start thinking now?